Kids vs. Global Warming, a former project of Earth Island, joined five individual teenagers and another organization in the landmark federal climate lawsuit premised on the public trust doctrine. The lawsuit sought to require the federal government to immediately implement steps to reduce greenhouse gases in order to avoid warming beyond two degrees Celsius, as proscribed by Dr. James Hansen and other leading international climate scientists. This case, although supported by prominent groups and individuals across the country, was ultimately dismissed, but it did lay the foundation for the current Atmospheric Trust Litigation.
United States Supreme Court denies plaintiffs' request.
Plaintiffs file a petition for a writ of certiorari with the United States Supreme Court.
The Court of Appeals affirms the district court decision.
Plaintiffs file brief in support of appeal to the United States Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia of the district court's decision.
Court grants the federal government defedants' and fossil fuel intervenors' motion to dismiss.
Public trust doctrine lawsuit asks for protection of atmosphere as a public resource.
The young and the restless: Kids sue government over climate change.
22 law professors file an amicus brief in support of youth and the public trust doctrine.
Case is transferred to D.C. because of its national significance and for the convenience of the federal government.
Why is 17-year-old Alec Loorz suing the government over global warming?
Plaintiffs file for a preliminary injunction to compel immediate government action on climate change.
Plaintiffs file an amended complaint.
Why one 16-year-old is suing the US government over climate change.
Complaint filed in the United States District Court for the Northern District of California against the United States Environmental Protection Agency, the United States Department of Interior, the United States Department of Agriculture, the United States Department of Commerce, the United States Department of Energy, and the United States Department of Defense.
Kids vs. Global Warming
Philip L. Gregory, Cotchett, Pitre & McCarthy LLP
Julia Olson, Wild Earth Advocates
Energy and Climate
